The 1 Hotel Central Park opened its twig-adorned doors in early August 2015, becoming the second property to file under the newly launched, eco-conscious luxury hotel brand, 1 Hotels.
Unlike its ethereal big brother, the 1 Hotel South Beach (which began operations earlier that summer), the 1 Hotel Central Park emotes a warmer, boutique-like feel.
The brand's New York outpost is a welcomed retreat from the asphalt circuits buzzing outside; the thoughtful design features locally sourced and supplied accents that articulate "please unwind."
The property is richly layered with raw, rustic materials and hanging plants that are juxtaposed by industrial outfittings like steel beams, reclaimed brick and exposed bulbs. A tan lobby sofa and shagged chair covers evoke a bit of 70s chicness while floor-to-ceiling windows stream natural light.
The rooms continue this textured, thematic thread but occasionally take on a more neutral palette, donning mismatched or grey wood panels and pewter blue throws. Nature is the narrative for the 1 Hotel brand, so we have decided to highlight the 10 best eco-friendly details from this blossoming Manhattan haunt.
The 1 Hotel Central Park's exterior — Photo courtesy of 1 Hotels
Ivy facade
Covering the hotel’s first three floors, the AgroSci’s living English Ivy wall took approximately three weeks to install and contains 24,000 total plants. This semi-evergreen species holds their leaves through most winters, ensuring a bit of neighborhood green during the harsher snowy months.
The wall is monitored by a computer system, which cues AgroSci when the plants’ moisture levels lower. AgroSci, in turn, waters the plants as needed.
A room inside the 1 Hotel Central Park — Photo courtesy of 1 Hotels
The bed
A comfortable hotel bed is the ultimate nightly treat, but the 1 Hotel Central Park ups the ante with their Keetsa hemp-blend mattresses. Using a hemp-blend mattress lessens oil dependency, since most memory foams are chemically laden and boast petroleum oil as the main ingredient. The linens and throws are also made from organic fabrics.
Daylife mentality
Though 1 Hotels sprouted its first branches in infamous nightlife cities, they have embraced the idea of “Daylife,” a push for experiencing outdoor daytime activities. With Central Park just footsteps away, the hotel offers guests Jonathan Waxman’s carefully packed picnic baskets filled with healthy nibbles.
Concierges also keeps visitors up to date on Central Park’s programming, including wildlife watching, bike trails and community events.
The 1 Hotel Central Park lobby. — Photo courtesy of 1 Hotels
Plant life
Brooklyn’s Sprout Home created terrariums for each 1 Hotel Central Park room, which are harbored inside hand-blown vases by Brooklyn Glass. Inside, succulents, kokedamas, moss panels, and hanging and hydroculture plants add life to nooks and surfaces. Outside, the impressive ivy exterior is joined by an herb wall and potted ferns.
Scorched redwood panels from New York City's water tanks — Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Central Park Facebook
The woods
The 1 Hotel Central Park partnered with New York-based company Hudson Lumber for its timbered inspirations. The use of various reclaimed and repurposed woods – from oak to redwood to mushroom – add a depth to the hotel’s indoor dynamics. A tree stump hangs on the lobby wall, tied twigs intertwine to separate Jams (the restaurant) from a seating area and hollowed pieces double as bowls.
For the curious traveler, the hotel’s larger pieces often have their classification and origin scorched on them. The rooms feature log steps and wood furniture while the Field House gym flaunts a reclaimed hardwood slab from the University of Wisconsin’s basketball court.
Lighting
Though considerably dim for some, the entire property meets LEED standards. At the brand level, all 1 Hotel properties participate in the Dark Sky initiative, in which hotel lights are lowered to near candlelight during the new moon (the darkest night of the month). Dark Sky aims to raise light pollution awareness by reducing the hotel’s own light emissions.
The lobby's farm stand serves fresh, locally sourced fruit daily — Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Central Park Facebook
Food service
Jonathan Waxman opened Jams on the hotel’s first floor towards the end of August 2015, serving his signature California-leaning cuisine. The restaurant stands on locally sourced, organic and seasonal ingredients, a concept Waxman is often credited for bringing eastward.
To boot, the lobby is home to a daily complimentary farm stand, presenting fresh fruits and nuts from nearby farmer's markets and suppliers. Waxman also oversees in-room dining, and as previously mentioned, the park-ready picnic baskets.
Car service
1 Hotels has partnered with electric car brand Tesla to provide complimentary rides to hotel guests within a 15 block radius. It is recommended that guests call ahead for their ride, given limited hours and prime-time request volumes. Those who stay at the hotel with electric cars or personal bikes may also valet overnight free of charge.
The scent
The 1 Hotel Central Park’s signature scent wafts through the lobby, creating an immediately transcendent experience for those filing in from the bustling Manhattan streets. The plant-based scent is preservative-free and includes lemon, cedar, and vetiver notes.
Paperless and plasticless rooms
To reduce paper and plastic usage, the 1 Hotel Central Park rooms replace traditional notepads with chalkboards and daily newspapers are loaded into the in-room phone app. There are no water bottles on property, so all sinks, showers and taps are filtered through Triple Clear systems. Cardboard hangers are in each closet and a recycle bin can be found in each room.
Takeaway-sized shampoos and conditioners have been subbed out for larger, reusable dispensers. And "Do Not Disturb" door signs are a thing of the past. Instead, engraved "Now" and "Not Now" stones cue housekeeping and the hotel as to when (or when not) to enter the room.
